Suspension of a storage framework from a beam

ABSTRACT

A method and structure are provided to suspend a support frame from a structural element such as an I-beam with an intermediate framework. An anchor is fastened to the structural element. An upper linkage is fastened to the anchor means and hangs therebelow. Legs are fastened to the upper linkage and hangs therebelow. The support frame is fastened to the legs and hangs therebelow. The upper linkage is selected from the group consisting of a scissors link and a mounting plate. The anchor can be a bifurcated C-Clamp.

This invention relates to mechanical anchoring devices and a system for enabling suspended overhead suspension of a framework from an I-beam or truss joist.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As more and more materials including lawn chairs, sports equipment, recreational devices and the like accumulate in a space such as a garage, a problem is that there is insufficient space on the floor or on the walls for storage of such things in the space available. Accordingly there is a need for enhanced methods and equipment for providing supplemental storage space.

An advantage of the present invention is that is can be installed without the cost of hiring professional installers.

Another advantage of the system and method of this invention is it avoids invasive changes to existing construction; and avoids a need for pre-construction.

Moreover, time is saved by avoiding clearing stored materials from a storage space such as a garage. Also, few tools and materials are required.

Another advantage of this invention is that an installation in a garage does not interfere with overhead garage door equipment and its operation or with the garage door.

In accordance with this invention overhead storage is provided in a structure with limited floor space for storage by suspending a framework from clamps secured to the flanges of a flanged overhead beam. A preferred form of flanged overhead beam is an “I” beam with a solid web, preferably composed of steel. A suitable alternative to such a steel I-beam is an Open Web Truss Joist preferably made of steel having 4″ top and bottom flanges. Typically, the steel OWTJ is used to support roof structures with series of opened half diamond steel rails welded to and in between the flanges forming a webbing structure that spans the length of the OWTJ. Regardless of the material of which the beam is composed the beam and the flanges must have sufficient strength to support the framework. In short, the invention provides for suspending a framework from flanges suitable for supporting a clamp, which flanges are formed on the sides of an I-beam or a truss joist.

As stated above, the present invention overcomes the problem of having insufficient floor space in structures that have overhead space.

The device enables the user to create overhead space easily by suspending a mechanical framework from a beam, e.g. an I-beam or a truss joist.

The invention provides a device which is easy to install, highly versatile and eliminates requisite steps, now being used to facilitate the creation of overhead storage more specifically, garages and other related garage framing configurations.

The process/system used today is restrictive due to impeding overhead garage doors, their mechanical automatic devices and other fixed obstructions. The system of the present invention enables creation of more overhead space below a support structure.

In a garage the system of this invention increases available storage space because the installation is not impeded by overhead garage doors, the devices associated with the door or the door itself. Thus additional storage space is created which had not been available heretofore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework in accordance with this invention for suspension of a support frame from a support by a beam, e.g. an I-beam.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the framework of FIG. 1

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective side view of a bifurcated C-Clamp shown in FIG. 1 which is adapted to be fastened to the lower flange of an I-beam.

FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the bifurcated C-Clamp of FIGS. 1 and 3A.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the framework of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged, fragmentary end view of the framework of FIG. 1 showing two C-Clamps, each of which includes a lower jaw which carries a fastener comprising a threaded pressure screw that engages a lower surface of the left and right rims of a flange of an I-beam.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the left end of FIG. 1 showing portions of the framework including scissor arms and legs from which support frame is suspended.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the framework of FIG. 1 for suspension of a support frame from a support by a beam, e.g. an I-beam.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detail of a joint between a scissor arm and a leg from which the support frame is suspended.

FIG. 8 is a view of the joint between an upper diagonal brace and a lower diagonal brace with an interlock, but with the bolt absent showing the bolt hole in the brace with the parts in alignment prior to insertion of the bolt.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with C-Clamps fastened to an I-beam and the framework suspended from the C-Clamps and lanyard cables secured to the ends of the support frame.

FIG. 9B is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A

FIG. 9C is an end, elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9C with like parts indicated by like indicia from the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the device of FIG. 10 showing, among other things, one of the clamps secured to a flange of the I-Beam and the lanyard cables which hold up the end of the support frame.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, end, elevational view of the device of FIG. 10 showing the lanyard cables and the clamps secured to the flanges of the I-Beam.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a framework in accordance with another embodiment of this invention in which two pairs of scissor arms of FIG. 1 are replaced by a pair of rectangular mounting plates with horizontal wide mounting slots and an array of narrow mounting slots and modified long bifurcated C-Clamps.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a long bifurcated C-Clamp of FIG. 13 secured to the left rim of an I-Beam and fastened to the upper left side of one of the mounting plates of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an elevational schematic drawing of one of the rectangular mounting plates shown in FIG. 13 with the a pair of horizontally oriented, wide mounting slots near the top edge of the wide top side of the mounting plate.

FIG. 16A is a perspective side view of a long, bifurcated C-Clamp with feet extending down from the bodies of the frames thereof and with a through hole provided for insertion therethrough of a screw shown in FIG. 14 to support one end of a mounting plate.

FIG. 16B is a sectional perspective view showing the inner surfaces of the right frame of the C-Clamp of FIG. 16A with a peripheral anti-rotation interlock surface surrounding a hole for a screw to support the mounting plate.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the foot of the C-Clamp of FIG. 16B showing the hole for a screw to fasten the mounting plate and the peripheral anti-rotation interlock surface surrounding the hole.

FIG. 18A is a perspective front, elevational view of a cable supported modification of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the mounting plates shown in FIG. 13 and with cables connected from bolts through the upper corners of the mounting plates to the distal ends of the support frame.

FIG. 18B is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18D is a further enlarged, perspective front, elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18E is a still further enlarged, front view of the device of FIG. 18D.

FIG. 18F is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fragment of a mounting plate with a mounting slot therethrough lined by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces with indicia therebelow.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a fragment of a mounting plate also having a mounting slot therethrough surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces with indicia plus an array of small slots therebelow.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modified mounting plate with two mounting slots therethrough surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces on the top surface and two more slots on the bottom of the mounting plate.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of a hanging stack arrangement of two modified mounting plates of the variety shown in FIG. 21 suspended from two C-Clamps fastened to an I-Beam. The two C-Clamps are fastened to the top horizontal mounting slots of the upper mounting plate by fasteners in the manner shown in FIG. 18E.

FIGS. 23A-23C show three mounting plates with the first and second mounting plates, which are suspended by C-Clamps from an I-Beam, provide support for the third mounting plate. The third mounting plate is suspended from the first and second mounting plates by additional inverted C-Clamps.

FIGS. 24A-24C show a set of four mounting plates which are connected together by stacked L cross section brackets and fasteners with two plates oriented vertically but the other two plates oriented horizontally.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Scissors Arm and C-Clamp Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework 9 in accordance with this invention. The framework 9 is provided for suspension of a support frame 11 from a support such as an I-beam 10. The support frame is provided to support a storage shelf, not shown for convenience of illustration such as a plywood sheet or the like.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the framework 9 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective side view of a C-Clamp 40 shown in FIG. 1 which is adapted to be fastened to the lower flange of I-beam 10; and FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the C-Clamp 40 of FIGS. 1 and 3A. Preferably, each of the C-Clamps 40 is bifurcated as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A.

In FIG. 1, the framework 9 is shown suspended from the flanges 10F of the I-beam 10. Each I-beam 10 comprises a web 10W with upper and lower flanges 10F. The upper flange 10F, which is on top of the web 10W, has rims 10L/10R extending to the left and right thereof. The lower flange 10F, which is on the bottom of the web 10W, also has a left rim 10L rim and a right rim 10R. The rims 10L/10R extend to the left and right respectively of the web 10F. The framework 9 is suspended from four C-Clamps 40 affixed to the rims 10L and 10R of the lower flange 10F of the I-beam 10. Two of the C-Clamps 40 are affixed to the rims 10L/10R respectively at the proximal end 10P of the I-beam 10 and the other two clamps 40 are affixed to the rims 10L/10R respectively at the distal end 10D of the I-beam 10. In other words, the four C-Clamps 40 provide support for the framework 9 which comprises the infrastructure described below.

Preferably, the C-Clamps 40 are bifurcated as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B. As indicated above, the nearer end of the framework 9 is suspended at the proximal end 10P of the I-beam 10 from two of the clamps 40, which are secured to the lower flange 10F. The farther end of the framework 9 is suspended at the distal end 10 of the I-beam 10 by the other two C-Clamps 40, which are secured to the lower flange 10F at the distal end 10D. The bifurcated C-Clamps 40 are on opposite sides of the I-beam 10 and are fastened to the left and right rims 10L/10R respectively of the lower flange 10F. In particular, a proximal pair of the clamps 40 are centered above the proximal side of the framework 9 with one thereof secured to the left lower rim 10L while the other clamp is secured to the right lower rim 10R on opposite side of the web 10W of the I-beam 10. Similarly, a distal pair of the C-Clamps 40 are centered above the distal side of the framework 9 with one thereof secured to the left lower rim 10L while the other C-Clamp 40 is secured to the right lower rim 10R on opposite side of the web 10W of the I-beam 10.

Bifurcated C-Clamps

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the bifurcated C-Clamps 40 include a left frame 40L and a right frame 40R. Each frame includes a pair of confronting jaws including a bottom jaw 40B and a top jaw 40T on opposite ends of the frames 40L/40R. The top jaw 40T of both frames 40L/40R includes parallel clamping faces 40F.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the framework 9 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 and 4A show a C-Clamp 40, which includes a lower jaw 40B which carries a fastener 42 comprising a threaded pressure screw 42 that engages a lower surface of the left rim 10L of a flange 10F of an I-beam 10.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged, fragmentary end view of the framework 9 of FIG. 1 showing two C-Clamps 40, each of which includes a lower jaw 40B which carries a fastener 42 comprising a threaded pressure screw 42 that engages a lower surface of the left rim 10L and the right rim 10R of a flange 10F of the I-beam 10.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the faces 40F of the top jaw 40T are formed with downwardly directed serrated teeth 40S. FIG. 3A shows that the upwardly facing surfaces of the bottom jaws 40B of the C-Clamp 40 are capped with a flat, horizontally extending pad 40. Pad 40 bridges across above the bottom jaws 40B of the left frame 40L and the right frame 40R. A threaded hole 40H, bored through the pad 40P of the bottom jaws 40B houses a pressure screw 42 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 12-14 which is tightened to affix the clamp 40 to the rim 10L or 10R of the flange 10F of the I-beam 10.

FIG. 2 shows a threaded pressure screw 42 (hexagonal head) that extends vertically up through the gap between the left and right frames 40L/40R and through a matching threaded hole 40H bored through the pad 40P of the bottom jaw 40B. The pressure screw extends up out of the bottom jaw 40B towards the clamping faces 40F of both frames 40L/40R of the top jaw 40T. The pressure screw 42 extends from below the bottom jaw 40B up to press hard against the lower surface of the left rim 10L of the lower flange 10F pulling the serrated face 40F of the top jaw 40T down into position to clamp the upper surface of the left rim 10L of the flange 10, while the top end of the pressure screw 42 clamps the lower surface of the left rim 10L. The matching components of the other three C-Clamps 40 are clamped to the left rim 10L and to the right rim 10R at the respective proximal location and the two distal locations along the I-beam 10. Each clamp 40 supports one of four scissor arms 30 which support the framework 9.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of the short, bifurcated C-clamps 40 includes a pair of support holes 41H through the heel 40N at the bottom of the left and right frames 40L/40R. Each C-Clamp 40 supports one of the four scissor arms 30. The upper end of each scissor arm 30 is sandwiched between the left and right frames 40L/40R. Each scissor arm 30 is secured to the C-clamp 40 by a fastener 41. Each fastener 41 extends through the respective support hole 41H in the C-Clamp 40 and through the top end of the scissor arm 30 which is sandwiched between the frames 40L/40R. For example, fastener 41 may be a bolt with a hexagonal head secured to the clamp by a nut (not shown) or fastener 41 may be a round head pin clipped to the clamp 40. An equivalent type of fastener may be employed.

Each short, bifurcated C-clamp 40 includes a lower jaw 40B which carries a threaded, clamping screw 42 (hexagonal head) clamping onto the with hexagonal head or a pin clipped that engages a lower surface of a flange 10F of an I-beam 10. An upper jaw of each clamp has a clamping surface with teeth 40T clamping so that as the screw 42 is tightened the upper jaw 40U with its teeth and grips the rim of the flange 10F with the fastener 41 shown as a hexagonal bolt which is secured by a nut.

Scissor Arms

As indicated above each C-Clamps 40 supports a scissor arm 30. The scissor arms 30 are composed of rigid flat steel strips known in the art as slotted steel which in this case comprises a series of central through holes spaced at more or less regular intervals along the length of the flat steel strips. Referring to FIG. 4, at each of the proximal and distal ends of the framework 9, a pair of the scissor arms 30 is provided with one arm 30 suspended by a pivot pin 41 from the C-Clamp 40 on the left and one arm 30 with the other arm 30 suspended by another pivot pin 41 from the C-Clamp 40 on the right. FIG. 4 shows that each arm 30 includes five through holes spaced, centrally along the arms 30. The arms 30 are attached to each other in a scissors or tong like configuration by a pivot screw 31. The pivot screw 31 is shown inserted through the fourth hole from the top of each of the arms 30 of the pair. Pivot screw 31 secures each pair of scissors arms 30 together to pivot thereabout. The pivot bolt 31 has a head shown on the front side of a first arm 30. The other end of the bolt 31 is secured by a washer and a nut or a pin (or the like) to the back surface of the other arm 30.

The top end of each of scissor arm 30 is rotatably secured between the arms of a bifurcated clamp 40 by a pivot pin 41 that extends through holes 41H (see FIGS. 3A/3B) through and the respective frames 40L,40R of each clamp 40. The pivot pin 41 extends through a hole (not shown for convenience of illustration) in the top end of the arm 30.

Leg Extensions from Scissor Arms

FIGS. 1A and 1B show one of four legs 28 connected to the each of the lower ends of the proximal and distal scissor arms 30. FIGS. 4, 12 and 13 show that the legs 28 are secured to the arms 30 by fasteners shown as bolts 29. The legs 28 and the scissor arms 30 overlap so that the bolts 29 can fasten them together.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the framework of FIG. 1 for suspension of a support frame 11 from a support by the I-beam 10.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detail of the joint 29J between a scissor arm 30 and a leg 28 from which the support frame 11 is suspended. At the joint 29J, one of the bolts 29 extends through a scissor arm 30 and a leg 28 with the threaded end of the bolt 29 extending through a threaded nut 29N between the lower end of a scissor arm 30 joined to the upper end of a leg 28. The joint 29J is tightly secured by the bolt 29 fastened to the nut 29N. The anti-rotation interlock 44 locks the joint together with a matching surfaces of anti-rotation interlocking surfaces 44 (referred to hereinafter as interlocks) comprise machined surfaces in the form of rows of ridges formed on confronting surfaces of the scissor arm 30 and the leg 30. The interlocks 44 restrict and/or prevent rotation of each leg 28 around the bolt 29 and nut 29N, locking the elements in the alignment which is selected by the installer and/or the user.

Diagonal Braces

FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B show four upper diagonal braces 24 suspended from the upper portions of the scissor arms 30. FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 11, and 12 show that the upper diagonal braces 24 are suspended by bolts 33 and nuts (as will be understood by those skilled in he art) fastened to the C-Clamps 40. Again a pair of anti-rotation interlocks 44 is provided to hold the upper diagonal braces 24 in alignment after tightening of the bolts 33 and the associated nuts.

FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, 5, 8 and 12 show how one of a set of four lower diagonal braces 26 is fastened to each one of the upper diagonal braces 24 by bolts 25 and nuts with anti-rotation interlocks 44 provided to hold the lower diagonal braces 26 in alignment with the upper diagonal braces 24 after tightening of the bolts 33 and the associated nuts.

FIG. 8 is a view of the joint between an upper diagonal brace 24 and a lower diagonal brace 26 with an interlock 44, but with the bolt 25 absent showing the bolt hole 25H in the brace 24 with the parts in alignment prior to insertion of the bolt 25.

Angle Iron Shelf Support Frame

FIGS. 1 and 5 both show a shelf support frame 11 composed of two main rails 14 four extension rails 16, and four cross rails 18. Preferably, the rails are composed of slotted angle iron stock which have been assembled into a rectangle of the two main rails 18, the four extension rails 16 and two of the cross rails 14 at each end of the rectangular support frame 11. The other two cross rails are located equal distances along the length of the support frame 11

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the left end of FIG. 1 showing portions of the framework 9 including the scissor arms 32, and the legs 28. On the left side of FIG. 5 are shown two of the four upper diagonal braces 24 joined to two lower diagonal braces 26, and the left end of the shelf support frame 11. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the shelf support frame 11 is supported by the lower diagonal braces 26 and the legs 28. In particular, each of the two main rails 14 is suspended from a pair of the legs 28 on the left and the right of the I-Beam 10. The two main rails 14 are fastened to the legs 28 by the fasteners 27. Each of the four extension rails 16 is suspended from one of the lower diagonal braces 26 on the left and the right respectively. The extension rails 16 are fastened to the lower diagonal braces 26 by the fasteners 23.

Cable Supported, Scissors Arm and C-Clamp Embodiment

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with C-Clamps 40 fastened to an I-beam 10 and the framework 9 suspended from the C-Clamps and lanyard cables 12 secured to the ends of the support frame 11. FIG. 9B is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A; and FIG. 9C is an end, elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9C show elongated extension rails 16 supported on the distal ends thereof by four lanyard cables 12. Each cable 12 extends at the top end from one of the four scissor arms 30 and the fasteners 33 down to the fastener 13 which connects to the distal end of the extension rail 16 at the bottom end of the cable 12. This cable supported embodiment provides enhanced extra support for the shelf support 11 when it is either extended to a greater length or when the support frame 11 requires more support for heavier burdens proximate to the outboard portion of the extension rail 16.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9C with like parts indicated by like indicia from the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the device of FIG. 10 showing, among other things, one of the clamps 40 secured to the flange 10L of the I-Beam 10 and the lanyard cables 12.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, end, elevational view of the device of FIG. 10 showing the clamps 40 secured to the flanges 10L/10R of the I-Beam 10 and the lanyard cables 12.

Mounting Plate and C-Clamp Embodiment

FIGS. 13-15 16A, 16B and 17 show a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a framework 9 in accordance with another embodiment of this invention in which the two pairs of scissor arms 32 of FIG. 1 are replaced by a pair of rectangular mounting plates 50 with horizontal wide mounting slots 51W therethrough and an array of narrow mounting slots 54 and modified long C-Clamps 140.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a long C-Clamp 40 of FIG. 13 secured to the left rim 10L of the I-Beam 10 and fastened to the upper left side of one of the mounting plates 50 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an elevational schematic drawing of one of the rectangular mounting plates 50 shown in FIG. 13 with the a pair of horizontally oriented, wide mounting slots 51W therethrough near the top edge of the wide top side of the mounting plate 50. The mounting plate 50 is shown with an array of small mounting slots 54, two of which in each plate 50 are shown supporting the legs 28 which support the of two main rails 14 of the shelf support frame 11. The set of short C-Clamps 40 is replaced by a set of long, bifurcated C-Clamps 140. In the four corners of the plate are fastener holes 133H which are employed in the embodiment of FIGS. 17, 18A-18D, and 19-21.

FIG. 16A is a perspective side view of a long, bifurcated C-Clamp 140 with the feet 140F extending down from the bodies of the frames 140R and 140F with a through hole 141H provided for insertion therethrough of a screw 141 shown in FIG. 14 (which screw is retained by a nut) to support one end of the mounting plate 50.

FIG. 16B is a sectional perspective view showing the inner surfaces of the right frame 140R of the C-Clamp 140 of FIG. 16A with a peripheral anti-rotation interlock surface 144 surrounding a hole 141H for a screw to support the mounting plate 50.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the foot of the C-Clamp 140 of FIG. 16B showing the hole 141H for a screw to fasten the mounting plate 50 and the peripheral anti-rotation interlock surface 144 surrounding the hole 141H.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16A, the long, bifurcated C-Clamps 140 have been modified from the clamps 40 of FIG. 3A with longer left and right frames 140L and 140R in place of the short frames 41L/40R. Instead of the heel 40N of FIG. 3, in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a foot 140F extends from the bottom of the left and right frames 140L and 140R. Each mounting plate 50 is inserted at the feet 140F between frames 140L and 140R of each C-Clamp 140 and mounted to those frames by fasteners 140. Fasteners 141, which may be bolts and nuts, pass through the holes 141H (shown in FIGS. 16A-16C), through frames 140L and 140R at the feet 140F of the long C-Clamps 140 as well as through the two wide mounting slots 51W along the wide side of the mounting plate 50.

As shown in FIG. 14, the top edge of the mounting plate 50 is sandwiched, between the feet 140F of the frames 140L and 140R of the bifurcated C-Clamps 140. The bifurcated C-Clamps 140 include a left frame 140L and a right frame 140R. In FIGS. 13-15 the mounting plate 50 and the two mounting slots 51W are horizontally oriented, although the mounting plate can be employed with various features and orientation as described below with respect to other embodiments. It should be noted that the mounting plate 50 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 to have the wide mounting slots 51W formed therethrough with peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces 144 surrounding the slots 51W as well as indicia marking the location of the C-Clamps 140 in the slots 51W.

The two wide mounting slots 54 in this embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15 are provided to secure elements of the framework 9 to the mounting plate 50 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 13, the legs 28 and the upper diagonal braces 24 are fastened to the mounting plate 50. As described above, the lower diagonal braces 26 are fastened to each one of the upper diagonal braces 24 by bolts 25 and nuts with anti-rotation interlocks 44 provided to hold the lower diagonal braces 26 in alignment with the upper diagonal braces 24 after tightening of the bolts 33 and the associated nuts. In addition, the shelf support frame 11 is secured to the lower diagonal braces 26 and to the legs 28. In particular, each of the two main rails 14 on the left or the right is suspended respectively from one of the legs 28 on the left or the right of the I-Beam 10. Each main rail 14 is fastened to legs 28 by the fasteners 27. Each extension rail 16 is suspended from lower diagonal braces 26 on the left and the right respectively and fastened thereto by fasteners 23.

The bifurcated C-Clamps 140 include a left frame 140L and a right frame 140R. Each frame 140L/140R includes a pair of jaws including a bottom jaw 40B and a top jaw 40T confronting each other. The top jaw 40T of both frames 40L/40R includes parallel clamping faces 40F. The lower jaw 40B carries a fastener 42 comprising a threaded pressure screw 42 that engages a lower surface of the left rim 10L of a flange 10F of an I-beam 10. FIGS. 16A and 16B show that the faces 40F of the top jaw 40T are formed with downwardly directed serrated teeth 40S. FIG. 16A shows that the upwardly facing surfaces of the bottom jaws 40B of the C-Clamp 140 are capped with a flat, horizontally extending pad 40. Pad 40 bridges across above the bottom jaws 40B of the left frame 140L and the right frame 140R. A threaded bore hole 40H through the pad 40P of the bottom jaws 40B houses a pressure screw 42 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which is tightened to affix the clamp 140 to the rim 10L or 10R of the flange 10F of the I-beam 10

Cable Supported, Mounting Plate and C-Clamp Embodiment

FIGS. 18A-18E show an embodiment of a cable supported modification of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with two mounting plates 50 and the C-Clamp 140 with the provision of a cable 12 connected to the distal ends of the support frame 11. Otherwise the structure is essentially the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16C.

FIG. 18A is a perspective front, elevational view of a cable supported modification of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the mounting plates 50 shown in FIG. 13 and the cables 12 connected from bolts 133 through the upper corners of the mounting plates 50 to the distal ends of the support frame 11.

FIG. 18B is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A. Through holes 133H are provided for the bolts which support the cable 133 and additional corner holes 133H are provided in the lower corners of the mounting plates 50 for addition of other fasteners when required by the user.

FIG. 18C is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18D is a further enlarged, perspective front, elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18E is a still further enlarged, front elevational view of the device of FIG. 18D.

FIG. 18F is another enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fragment of the mounting plate 50 with a mounting slot 51W surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces 144 with indicia therebelow.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a fragment of the mounting plate 50 with a mounting slot 51W surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces 144 with indicia and an array of small slots 54 therebelow.

Mounting Plate with Additional Slots

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modified mounting plate 50 with two mounting slots 51W surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces 144 on the top surface and two more slots 51W on the bottom of the mounting plate. In addition, four vertically oriented mounting slots 51N are provided on the vertical edges of the plate 50 surrounded by peripheral anti-rotation interlock surfaces 144. Indicia are juxtaposed with the slots 51N/51W inboard from the periphery of the plate 50.

Hanging Stacked Mounting Plates

FIG. 22 is a elevational view of a hanging stack arrangement of two modified mounting plates 50A and 50B of the variety shown in FIG. 21 suspended from two C-Clamps 140 fastened to an I-Beam 10 as described above. The two C-Clamps 140 are fastened to the top horizontal mounting slots 51W of the upper mounting plate 50A by fasteners 141 in the manner shown in FIG. 18E.

he lower mounting plate 50B is fastened to the upper mounting plate 50 by stacked L cross section brackets 52. The upper bracket 52 is secured to the lower slots 51N by fasteners F which are preferably bolts and nuts. The two brackets 52 are connected together by fasteners F. Similarly, the lower mounting plate 50B is fastened to the lower bracket 52 by fasteners F which pass through the upper slots 51N of the lower mounting plate and the holes in the bracket 52.

U Linked Mounting Plates and C-Clamp Embodiment

FIGS. 23A-23C show three mounting plates 50C, 50D, and 50E with the first and second mounting plates 50C and 50D supporting mounting plate 50E. Each of the mounting plates 50C and 50D are suspended from an I-Beam 10 by two C-Clamps 140 in the manner shown in FIGS. 18A and 18F. The third mounting plate 50 E is suspended from the first and second mounting plates 50C and 50D by four additional C-Clamps 140 which have been inverted with the feet hanging down from the lower horizontal mounting slots 51W and the jaws closed on the four corners of the third mounting plate 50E.

Four Linked Mounting Plates in C-Clamp and Bracket Embodiment

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the four of four mounting plate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24B is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the four of four mounting plate embodiment shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is an end view of the four mounting plate embodiment of FIG. 24A.

FIGS. 24A-24C show a set of four mounting plates 50E-50I which are connected together by stacked L cross section brackets 52 and fasteners F. The top mounting plate is suspended from the 1-Beam 10 by two C-Clamps 140 as described heretofore. The other three four mounting plates 50G, 50H and -50I are connected together by brackets 52 and fasteners F as described above. Two mounting plates 50F and 50H are oriented vertically but the other two mounting plates 50F and 50H are oriented horizontally.

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While this invention is described in terms of the above specific exemplary embodiment(s), those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, i.e. changes can be made in form and detail, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, while the present invention is disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that changes can be made to provide other embodiments which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention and all such changes come within the purview of the present invention and the invention encompasses the subject matter defined by the following claims 

1. A suspension framework for suspending a support frame from a structural element thereabove comprising: anchor means fastened to the structural element; an upper linkage is fastened to anchor means and hangs therebelow; legs are fastened to the upper mechanical linkage and hang therebelow; and the support frame is fastened to the legs and hangs therebelow.
 2. The framework of claim 1 wherein the anchor means comprises a bifurcated C-Clamp.
 3. The framework of claim 1 wherein: the structural element comprises an I-Beam with bilateral flanges; and the anchor means includes a pair of bifurcated C-Clamps secured to the flanges on opposite sides of the I-Beam.
 4. The framework of claim 3 wherein: the intermediate linkage comprises an upper linkage connected to the bifurcated C-Clamps and a lower linkage comprising legs connected to the support frame; and the upper linkage is selected from the group consisting of a scissors link and a mounting plate.
 5. The framework of claim 1 wherein two anchor means are fastened to the structural element aligned above opposite sides of the support frame.
 6. The framework of claim 1 wherein two anchor means each comprising a pair of bifurcated C-Clamps are fastened to the structural element aligned above opposite sides of the support frame.
 7. The framework of claim 1 wherein support braces are connected between the upper linkage and the support frame.
 8. The framework of claim 1 wherein cables are connected between the linkage and the support frame.
 9. The framework of claim 1 wherein support braces and cables are connected between the upper linkage and the support frame.
 10. The framework of claim 9 wherein cables are connected to the distal ends of the support frame beyond the support braces.
 11. A method of suspending a framework for suspending a support frame from a structural element thereabove comprising: fastening anchor means to the structural element; fastening an upper linkage is to anchor means and hanging therebelow; fastening legs to the upper mechanical linkage hanging therebelow; and fastening the support frame to the legs and hanging therebelow.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the anchor means comprises a bifurcated C-Clamp.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein: the structural element comprises an I-Beam with bilateral flanges; and the anchor means includes a pair of bifurcated C-Clamps secured to the flanges on opposite sides of the I-Beam.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein: the intermediate linkage comprises an upper linkage connected to the bifurcated C-Clamps and a lower linkage comprising legs connected to the support frame; and the upper linkage is selected from the group consisting of a scissors link and a mounting plate.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein two anchor means are fastened to the structural element aligned above opposite sides of the support frame.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein two anchor means each comprising a pair of bifurcated C-Clamps are fastened to the structural element aligned above opposite sides of the support frame.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein support braces are connected between the upper linkage and the support frame.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein cables are connected between the linkage and the support frame.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein support braces and cables are connected between the upper linkage and the support frame.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein cables are connected to the distal ends of the support frame beyond the support braces. 